How to Remove Packing Bolts From Washing Machines

Remove shipping bolts from the washing machine before use.

Washing machines are packaged with bolts to secure it to the packaging and prevent any damage to the inside of the washing machine during transit to your home. Failure to remove all the shipping bolts causes the washing machine to make excessive noise or vibrate abnormally when in use. In some instances, leaving the bolts in place also causes the machine to malfunction. Removing the bolts only takes a few moments, then you can store the bolts for future moves.

1

Locate the wrench supplied with the washing machine. This wrench is typically enclosed in the same package as the owner’s manual.

2

Place the circular side of the wrench over the top of the bolt. The flat sides of the bolt will line up with the flat spaces inside of the wrench. You may need to rotate the wrench slightly for it to slip over the bolt because of this fitting.

3

Twist the braces counter-clockwise with the wrench to unscrew all of the bolts. Bolts are often located at each of the four corners around the drum assembly at the back of the machine. The drain hose or power cord may obscure some of the bolts. If so, move them gently aside to expose the bolt.

4

Grasp the bolt head and pull it out through the widest part of the hole. Be careful not to drag it along the metal frame of the washing machine as this will damage the bolt and the paint on the machine. Repeat this process to remove all of the bolts. There will be four or five shipping bolts total.

5

Store the bolts in a sealable bag and label them with a permanent marker. Keep the bag any place you will be able to find it in the future if you need to move the machine. The most convenient place to store the bolts is with the manual.

6

Fill in the holes left by the bolts with the supplied caps. There will be one cap for each hole and these will be in the same package the wrench came in. Set the cap in place and press gently with your thumb to insert it.